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Finalists Announced for BandJam 2021, The Ridgefield Playhouse, June 6

By Meghan Friedland, Editor/Publisher Macaroni Kid Danbury-Bethel-Ridgefield, CT May 27, 2021

The competition is heating up and the finalists have been named for BandJam 2021 at The Ridgefield Playhouse! High School Finalists are: Electric Jane, Freedom Rockets, Gremlin Daycare, Groove Haven and Hablo Pescobar. This year’s Middle School Finalists include: Fortuna, Skynet and Speed Limit. Don’t miss the chance to see the next generation of musicians before they make it to the big time!  On Sunday, June 6 at 4pm these talented musicians will perform before a LIVE and virtual audience with this one of a kind fundraiser that supports these teen musicians’ love for music. Celebrity judges will be on hand as we mark the 11th year that The Ridgefield Playhouse presents BandJam! Our judges include: “American Idol” finalist Kimberly Locke, i95fm’s Morning Show host Ethan Carey, founder of Entourage Talent, Wayne Forte, and multi-platinum record producer Aaron Accetta. The event is hosted by award-winning comedian Christine O'Leary and will include a special performance by the Emperor of Rock and Roll - Richie Scarlet The Show of Shows. Scarlet has performed with everyone from Ace Frehely, Mountain, Sabastian Bach and more! Presented by Mountain Dew and sponsored by Bach To Rock, School of Rock Ridgefield, Lagond Music School, Hubbels Music School, i95FM & Calzone Case Co., BandJam encourages kids who are serious musicians to continue their love of performing and writing music. Prizes for this year’s winning bands include cases courtesy of Calzone Case Co. and the chance to perform on the Playhouse stage before an upcoming show! This year, the event will also be livestreamed to watch from the comfort of your own home.


Originally created by kids for kids in 2009, BandJam was a call to action when the venue, like so many other theaters, took a hit during the financial crisis. "Kids who grew up with the Playhouse couldn't imagine not having it in their town, so they started an event to help raise money to keep our doors open," recalls Executive Director Allison Stockel. Now those "children" are in their 20's and many BandJam winners have gone on to make a name for themselves in the music industry. From The Voice's Drew Cole and many more, past BandJam performers have gone on to have real careers as music professionals. "Every year the talent is extraordinary." Says Stockel. "We love this community event because it really encourages kids to pursue their love and passion for music and it's a great thrill for them to be performing on the stage where so many legends have performed." So, if you want to see a great show with lots of talent and encourage the next generation of musicians, this is an event not to be missed!

For more information or to purchase touchless print at home ticket ($20) go online at www.ridgefieldplayhouse.org or, you can visit or call the box office (203) 438-5795.  The Ridgefield Playhouse is a non-profit performing arts center located at 80 East Ridge, parallel to Main Street, Ridgefield, CT and is committed to keeping the arts alive and available to all.


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